Saw this today and just had to share. Thorstein Bergman, a Swedish national treasure, singing Waltzing Matilda in 1965. SO GOOD WTF? I've only ever heard him singing in Swedish before.
One of Swedens most famous authors is children's book author Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002). Her perhaps most famous character of all is Pippi Långstrump, Pippi Longstocking in English. The books about Pippi is one of the most translated books in the world, available in around 100 languages.
The books were released during the 40's, and in 1969 a TV-series adaption came out. In the 70's, two movies were released, with the same actors and director. The theme song Här kommer Pippi Långstrump (Here comes Pippi Longstocking) was composed by the incredibly well renowned jazz musician Jan Johansson and recorded sung by the actress playing Pippi, Inger Nilsson. Johansson died tragically in a car accident in 1968, before the series were released. Most subsequent Astrid Lindgren songs were written by Georg Riedel.
The song is sung from Pippi's perspective, describing herself and urging her friends to have a great time with her. The lyrics are also peppered with the nonsensical "tjolahopp tjolahej tjolahoppsansa". A couple of years ago, an "official music video" was published on Youtube, consisting of clips from the series and movies:
I don’t know if it’s been done but I want to predict some Swedish song that we might hear this season. The more classical songs are Längtan till landet, Studentsången for the choir to sing as well as Ja må han leva for Willes birthday. There’s are more personal wishthinking songs but I would looove it if they played Valborg by Håkan Hellström but idk if they will. One line in that song goes ”if you want an idiot put your hand in mine” and ”you might never reach(nå) where you want but you’ll reach me” and it’s just a really lovely lovesong that I’m sure Lisa likes. Also ”Calleth you, cometh I” maybe as a throwback to ”It takes a fool to remain sane”. Because no matter what if the one of them called the other would come. Would love to hear other Swedes thoughts on this.